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September 17, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

Throughout the day I have been discussing last night’s surge of car caravans with local police commanders and Superintendent David Brown. The 2nd Ward office has received a large number of concerns about the lack of police control over the roadways last night.

The danger of roadways being closed by celebratory traffic, and the impact that has for emergency vehicles, cannot be overstated. It was very difficult for police and emergency resources to move throughout the city last night. Due to major roadways an intersections being blocked, many emergency vehicles were not able to travel through neighborhood zones. This unplanned and unpermitted activity endangers residents experiencing health or safety emergencies.

I ask the greater Chicago community to refrain from joining any large car caravans in the downtown area and along major roadways this evening and this weekend. Please celebrate responsibly, and with respect for your fellow Chicago neighbors.

I will continue to share concerns, reports, and video submitted by 2nd Ward residents with the police command structure as they work to coordinate a city-wide crime and safety strategy, and will remain an advocate for consistent and adequate police coverage in our 2nd Ward neighborhoods.
Sincerely,

Alderman Brian Hopkins
2nd Ward

I continue to work closely with law enforcement professionals across the 2nd Ward on a number of public safety and street crime concerns. I regularly discuss patrols and special attentions with area District Commanders, including how I can help provide the tools they need to help monitor and maintain the 2nd Ward neighborhoods.

In addition to the three routine shifts that police patrol for the daytime and nighttime hours, the fourth watch of tactical officers is also available for coverage as needed. Some officers are assigned only to overnight hours in close proximity to entertainment districts, where late-night concerns can be more common. This past weekend saw several incidents which are still under investigation from areas around entertainment districts. Along with my staff, I continue to follow up on these investigations and discuss matters with area business leaders and stakeholders. Detectives are also working with area residents and businesses to gather substantial evidence, such as photos or video, which is essential for any prosecution.

After focusing my first 2nd Ward Safety Webinar on Gold Coast and Near North Safety, this past week featured a second 2nd Ward Safety Webinar on illegal motorcycles, vehicle noise and drag racing. Below is a segment of that online meeting where I discuss a residents concern about late night drag racing and large motorcycle gatherings.

Please click here to watch.

For those who could not attend the 2nd Ward Safety Webinar on illegal motorcycles, vehicle noise and drag racing, please email Ward02@cityofchicago.org for a link to the full recording.

 On Thursday, September 9, Alderman Reilly joined Anna Davlantes on WGN Radio to discuss the Chicago Police Department (CPD) increasing police presence in River North’s hospitality corridors, during the overnight hours. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Alderman Reilly was very pleased to see a visible increase in police foot and bike patrols throughout River North last weekend. CPD also reported that since September 1, 18th District officers made 10 arrests, recovered 5 illegal firearms, towed 76 vehicles, and completed 22 Investigatory Stop Reports in River North’s entertainment district.

Commander Hein has assured Alderman Reilly that this level of response will be the “new normal” until crime in River North is under control. The Alderman appreciates CPD’s hard work and is hopeful the sustained effort will make an immediate and significant impact to cure the area of criminal activity.

Additionally, Alderman Reilly is committed to leveraging all available City resources to enhance public safety. Mayor Lori Lightfoot will present her 2022 Budget Recommendations to the City Council on Friday, September 17. Alderman Reilly is eager to review the CPD budget, specifically the amount of money allocated to hiring new officers. He will be advocating that CPD hire hundreds of new officers to off-set the recent attrition of officers CPD has experienced.

Furthermore, it is no secret that morale among police officers is at an all-time low. Between mandatory over-time, cancelling days off, and reassigning officers to unfamiliar districts, their efforts are often not properly recognized. Alderman Reilly encourages residents to attend your local CAPS meeting to stay up to date on crime and safety issues, as well as develop a relationship with the beat cops who patrol their neighborhood – attend, and thank your local cops for their unwavering commitment to serve and protect.

A message from RNRA:  We encourage all residents to attend their CAPS Beat Meetings.

To find your District and Beat, CLICK HERE.

To find the date/time for your Beat Meeting and the Zoom link, CLICK HERE.

When: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CDT
Where: this is an online event. Registration required. See link below to register

Dear Neighbor,

The RNRA shares the concerns of residents, businesses and visitors about recent incidents of crime in our community.

The RNRA and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly are co-hosting a virtual webinar with the Chicago Police Department’s new 18th District Commander, Jon Hein, to address public safety matters.

Alderman Reilly will deliver introductory remarks and introduce Commander Hein, who will discuss recent criminal activity in the area and CPD strategies to improve public safety. He will also respond to questions submitted in advance by the public.

Registration is required. You may also submit a question for Commander Hein along with your registration, if you register on or before September 15, 2021.

Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with details on how to log in to the online event. Please click on the link below to register.

I can’t make it

We look forward to welcoming you to the virtual Public Safety Webinar on Tuesday, September 21 at 4:00 PM.

Sincerely,

Mike Riordan
President

Mickie Gordon
Executive Director

River North Residents Association
info@rnrachicago.org
(312) 890-0273

Source: Reilly Reports 9/3/2021

Dear neighbors:

On Wednesday, September 2, I joined Steve Bertrand on WGN Radio to discuss the increase in violent crime in the Downtown neighborhoods, and the need for immediate action to curb this behavior. Please click here to listen to the interview.

The recent shooting incidents, fighting and robberies that have occurred this week are extremely concerning; the violence in the Central Business District has gotten out of hand.

On Monday, August 30, I asked Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Superintendent David Brown to take immediate action to increase police patrols in the Downtown neighborhoods, and assign permanent officers to the hospitality corridors to cure the dramatic spike in violent crime. Please click here to read the communication I sent to Mayor Lightfoot and Superintendent Brown.

Additionally, earlier this week I sent a memo to Superintendent Brown as a reminder of my previous requests for increased enforcement at known “drug and gang hotspots” throughout my Ward. State Street north of the Chicago River has been on that list for many years, and it is frustrating that this stretch continues to go unprotected. I have requested an immediate response to provide dedicated foot patrols until the immediate threat of public safety is abated and the “hotspot” areas are cured of criminal activity. Click here to read the memo I sent to Superintendent Brown.

Although I am a strong and vocal supporter of the Chicago Police Department and its officers, I am disappointed with the recent attrition of officers and the direction of current policing strategies, such as eliminating foot pursuits. A recent edition of Reilly Reports describes my position and plans to urge a top-down reevaluation of public safety policies; click here to read that edition of Reilly Reports.

Furthermore, although I don’t have the authority to direct CPD, I am committed to leveraging all available City resources to enhance public safety. I have allocated significant portions of my Aldermanic Menu to fund the installation of Police Observation Cameras and License Plate Readers, which assist CPD detectives in catching criminals. Additionally, I use my legislative powers to provide CPD with more tools to address crime and safety issues.

My hope is that Mayor Lightfoot and Superintendent Brown will increase police patrols in the Downtown neighborhoods, and assign permanent officers to the hospitality corridors. Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates.

Sincerely,

Brendan Reilly
President Pro Tempore
Alderman, 42nd Ward